Volunteer – Conservation

Volunteer and Help with Conservation

This is Part 3 of a mini-series of blogs on volunteering. (See Volunteer and Have Fun and also Why Volunteer?)

Here are some more suggestions, which can work just as well for an individual, a couple, a family of different ages, and a group of friends.

Start a Green Movement

If your building or home doesn’t recycle, organize a recycling program.

If there are no recycling bins on the streets of your city, call elected officials, start a petition, and demand them.

Think of unconventional steps you can take that will encourage a green movement in your community.

Spread the word.

Sometimes all a cause needs is some awareness. If you see an environmental threat looming, or if you are working with an inspiring organization, tell your friends – both in real life and on Facebook and Twitter.  If people know more about issues, they’ll be more motivated to get involved. Sometimes the best way to volunteer is to just be an advocate for a cause you believe in.

Organizations

Check into volunteer organizations in your community to see who needs help and how – there are always loads of ways you can help.

Also check with churches, schools and food banks in your area. They often have information on volunteer opportunities.

Try the Parks service in your area or your local recycling centre. Also check with Cub Scouts as they are often involved with eco-friendly projects for families.

Volunteer a Weekend

Spend a weekend volunteering.  Many organizations provide volunteer weekends cleaning and building trails, working on an organic farm or conserving wildlife.  There are opportunities available for every age and any experience. A volunteer weekend can help you see a new place and feel fulfilled.

More Suggestions

Check out the following websites for more suggestions:

The US Federal government offers info at their Volunteer website, www.volunteer.gov.   Here, you can choose by State or by volunteer interest or type.  Also try Volunteer Match and Idealist

In the UK check out these sites:  http://www.volunteering.org.uk/ and this site with a nicely positive title http://www.do-it.org.uk/.

For Europe check out http://www.universalgiving.org/volunteer/europe/opportunities.do?submit=true&reset=true&params.browseLocationStr=24

“Down Under” see Volunteering Australia and http://www.govolunteer.com.au/.

In South Africa check out GVI

In Mauritius see http://www.mauritian-wildlife.org/volunteer.php

Many of these sites give not only local volunteering choices, but also opportunities for longer trips abroad while volunteering.

So, combine a vacation with volunteering!

What Others Are Already Doing

A great way of getting the thinking process going, is to see what other people are doing.  Here are some examples from readers of this blog – obviously the very nicest and most caring people read ExoExpert’s advice and suggestions!

Mil at Urban Farm and Beehives works with people who need emotional help, and feels she gets more out of it than she gives, in terms of good karma, support back, laughter and friendships. Organiser Peggy Larson collects litter – to the embarrassment of her family (but she continues nonetheless as she knows it is worthwhile).   John of  JohnCMoulder.com is a volunteering stalwart having spent 30 years working for Queensland’s State Emergency Service, searching for people lost in the bush, and helping after floods and storms.  He then set up his local community radio service where he broadcasts every Saturday.  He finds his volunteer work tremendously satisfying.

And many pick up litter while going about daily tasks – a small job with a potentially big impact!

So, this blog is dedicated to all the selfless people who volunteer their time, services and money towards great causes.  The world is a better place because of you!

Thank you!

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Related: Volunteer and Have Fun  and also Why Volunteer?